press
In the News
Festival news, interviews, and announcements, most of it centered on What Are Emotions?, the Talky Talk Show episode I wrote and directed with my daughters on camera.
It began as a living room project about feelings and grew into a film that has traveled to festivals in the United States, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.
11
Awards won
28
Festival recognitions
12
Countries
Wall I
Interviews and Features
In Conversation
Photograph
In Conversation
Interviews about creativity, motherhood, and education, and how a family YouTube channel grew into award-winning work, including a conversation with Helaina and Fia about making What Are Emotions?
Canvas Rebel Interview →
Meet Tawanna Cullen
“For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is witnessing the impact.”
Bold Journey Interview →
Meet Tawanna Shantelle Cullen
“I’ve learned that confidence isn’t something someone hands you like an invitation to the coolest clique.”
From Learning to Laughter: The Creative Minds Behind What Are Emotions? →
A Candid Conversation on Storytelling, Education, and Bringing Emotions to Life
Wall II
Press Releases
The Story of What Are Emotions?
Announcements from Bear and Bee Productions, our family production company, following the film from its premiere to its festival run.
Unlock the Science of Feelings with Bear and Bee Productions’ What Are Emotions?! →
A Family-Friendly Journey into Emotional Intelligence That Educates and Entertains.
“What Are Emotions?” Earns Honorable Mention for Best Educational Film at Beyond Borders International Film Festival →
A Family-Friendly Journey into Emotional Intelligence Gets an Honor.
Bear and Bee Productions “What Are Emotions?” Earns Global Recognition →
Garnering Prestigious International Awards & Festival Selections
What Are Emotions? →
Official selection feature from the Independent Shorts Awards
Where the Film Has Traveled
What Are Emotions? teaches kids how feelings work, with real science and a lot of laughter. Here is where festival juries have recognized it so far.
Awards
Best Educational Film
Cine Sepia Reels Carnival · India · 2025 · IMDb
Best Educational Film
Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival · India · 2025 · IMDb
Best Web/New Media
Five Continents International Film Festival · Venezuela · 2025 · IMDb
Best Young Actress, Short Film (Helaina Cullen)
Five Continents International Film Festival · Venezuela · 2025
Best Director and Best Educational Film
24 Hours Film Challenge · India · 2025
Best Mobile Film
Sunny Film Festival · Germany · 2025
Art Video
South Film and Arts Academy Festival · Chile · 2025 · IMDb
Best Family Film, Best Mobile Film, and Best Web/New Media Film
Travancore International Film Awards · India · 2025 · IMDb
Finalist and Nominations
Finalist, Best Short Film
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival · Greece · 2026 · IMDb
Semi-Finalist, Children Short
Cal Film Festival · USA · 2025 · IMDb
Quarter-Finalist, Best Web-Series
Auguri Film Festival · Italy · 2025 · IMDb
Nominee, Web Series
London Directors' Talents · England · 2026 · IMDb
Nominee, Best Family/Children Film
Cannes World Film Festival · France · 2025 · IMDb
Honorable Mentions
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Independent Shorts Awards · USA · 2025 · IMDb
Read the festival’s feature on the film →
Best Acting Duo (Helaina Cullen and Fia Cullen)
Independent Shorts Awards · USA · 2025 · IMDb
Best Educational Film
Global INDIE Filmmaker Awards · England · 2025 · IMDb
Best Animation Film
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival · Greece · 2026 · IMDb
Best Educational Film
Beyond Border International Film Festival · India · 2025
Six Honorable Mentions
International Celebration of Cinema · England · 2025 · IMDb
Best Trailer · Best Educational Film · Best Family Friendly Film
Best Children's Film · Best Low-Budget Film · Best Web Series
Best Documentary
Always Late TV Movie Awards · USA · 2026 · IMDb
Official Selections
Web/TV Pilots
Cherub Film Festival · USA · 2025
Best Short Documentary
Cinema Carnival · Italy · 2025
iPad/iPod/iPhone Made Film Competition
Colortape International Film Festival · Australia · 2025
Zero to $5K Budget · New Voices
First-Time Sessions, Volume 10 · England · 2025
Best Short Film · Best Low-Budget Film
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festival · Türkiye · 2025
Best Short Documentary (Under 40 Minutes)
Indian Independent Film Festival · India · 2025
Best Educational Film
MegaFlix Movie Awards · England · 2025
Best Educational Film
Sofia World Film Festival · Bulgaria · 2025
Wall III
Festival Record
The Festival Map
12 countries · 25 festivals
Let’s Talk
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